Learn Needle Punch with Kristen at Snow Farm

You’re invited!  Join me in May 2023 at Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program to learn the art of needle punch. I first learned needle punch on a trip to Scotland. Ever since, I continue to create unique pieces, many of which have been exhibited in galleries around the United States. This year, I am so excited to have the opportunity to teach this to you at Snow Farm. And it’s not just needle punch, we’ll also dye our own yarn using natural dyes.  

If you’ve never heard of Snow Farm, it is a nonprofit residential craft school located in Williamsburg, Massachusetts. This town, in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, is a beautiful area rich with artists and the nearby college towns of Northampton and Amherst. (Bonus for fiber lovers: Northampton is home of Webs and they have a physical store you can shop.)

In March 2022, I completed a two-week artist residency at Snow Farm. During this time, I had the entire fiber studio to myself with nothing but pure creative time. I enjoyed feeling completely free to just be creative in this beautiful place and explore new concepts and ideas without interruption. I was thrilled when Snow Farm invited me back to teach.

Needle Punch Class Description

Needle punching is a fun, easy technique that combines elements of rug hooking and embroidery and yields beautiful results. In this workshop, start by hand-dyeing wool with natural elements such as cochineal and madder. Then combine the dyed yarn with other colors and design an 8” x 8” wall hanging using both loop and cut pile. Learn about color combinations, basic composition, and how to be spontaneous with the yarn. No experience necessary. No supply fee; an instructor kit fee of $110 is payable in class and includes the frame and punch needle for students to take home.

The class runs for three days, and lodging is available on the Snow Farm grounds.

If you have any questions about what this class will be like, please reach out. If you’re interested, I recommend registering today. Connection is a big part of Snow Farm’s mission. They state on their website, “Snow Farm is a community, bringing people together who share a belief that creating is powerful, and creating with others can be life-changing.” Smaller classes help facilitate a valuable learning environment as well making space for meaningful connections.

I hope to see you at Snow Farm in May!  

Photo credit: Erin Long Photography